"Gungun, I am your father!", Dijiun said with an unmistakable tremble in his voice.

It was Gungun's turn to be surprised. Based on what Mother had told him, he did not have a father. She had explained that since they were immortals, it was possible for a child to not have one. But this handsome-looking uncle said he was Gungun's father!

Surprise, then confusion slowly gave rise to the realization that as long as this uncle was willing to be his father, he would be very happy. No more weird looks from his friends in the mortal realm, no more jeering questions.

And maybe, just maybe, this person would be willing to help his Mother too. Gungun worried about his Mother. She was all alone with no relatives in the mortal realm and had to manage everything by herself. He had seen his Mother tired, stressed, many times even fighting with a sword and getting injured. But still always smiling a brave, loving smile for Gungun. Since this person was sitting next to Gungun's mother's bed, trying to feed her medicine, maybe he did care about Gungun's Mother. So, all in all, it was a happy thing to have found a father.

"Father!", Gungun said with a smile lighting up his face and tried to wrap his tiny arms around his father in a tight hug.

Dijun pulled Gungun close in his arms and planted a kiss on his forehead. Then he hugged him some more. And planted some more kisses. The ring on Xiaobai's finger, which was made from Dijun's heart, glowed. It almost felt like Xiaobai stirred. But when Dijun looked at her, she was laying as still as before.

After the initial shock wore off, Dijun lifted his head above Gungun's silver hair. He held the boy at arm's length, still keeping him close, still holding hands. Slowly he asked, "Gungun, where have you been? How did you come here today?". 

Gungun replied, "I have always lived with Mother in the mortal realm. At least that's what Mother calls it. It was Uncle Xie who brought me here today. He told me Mother was injured and that I had to be responsible."

"How did you meet Uncle Xie?", Dijun asked a little bit perplexed.

"Some time ago, Mother took me to a place called the Nether world. She helped another uncle wake up and then had to leave for Sky kingdom. She promised me she would be back soon and asked me to be a good boy and stay with Uncle Xie.", Gungun replied.

Looking at his Mother Gungun continued, "Father, when will Mother wake up? She never sleeps for so long. Can I stay with her? I don't want her to sleep alone. She always kicks the sheets at night, feels cold, and starts to whimper. I often wake up from the noise and pull the sheets upon her. When I am not with her, she might feel cold at night. So I want to stay with her."

Dijun smiled a weak smile and said, "She has not changed. I promise you, Gungun, I will not let her feel cold. I will stay by her side and take care of her myself. Don't worry, ok?" Gungun felt relieved. 

He lifted his little pinky and made his father do a proper promise. When Dijun complied, he smiled satisfactorily.